DopeyB-24D-45-CO 42-40268

98th Bomb Group

This is the second version of Disney's "Dopey" that was completed by Amos. The first was painted on the left side of "Arkansas Traveler". As with all of his Snow White figures, Nicholson painted his Disney character facing forward towards the nose of the B24. This plane survived in service until being condemned in November 1945 after the end of the war. However, its combat career is as yet unknown. There was at least one further version of "Dopey" which was painted with a forward facing character but its jumbled colourful lettering was stacked diagonally upwards unlike the title displayed on this B24D. The latter variation suffered a collapse of its right main undercarriage on 17th April 1944 and severe skin wrinkling which suggests possible twisting of the airframe. Anyone who can clarify this or offer further information on #268's mission carrer is invited to make contact.

Decades after painting the original version 2 of "Dopey", Amos Nicholson was asked to paint a wall mural depicting the B24 with its distinctive nose art. This he did and duly signed his masterpiece -- something he failed to do on the original aircraft during the war years.